Formula 1 drivers have shared a range of opinions on the sudden technical rule adjustments introduced just before the Miami Grand Prix.
The changes primarily target battery deployment, aiming to prevent cars from losing significant power at the end of long straights during qualifying.
George Russell and Alex Albon welcomed the move, noting that the previous system felt “dangerous” due to extreme speed differences between cars on hot laps and cool laps.
However, others like Max Verstappen remain skeptical, suggesting these minor “band-aid” fixes don’t solve the fundamental weight and drag issues of the 2026 cars.
Lewis Hamilton highlighted that while the tweaks might help qualifying, the “clunky” nature of energy management during actual races remains a major concern for the grid.
The FIA implemented these updates after drivers warned of potential “catastrophic” collisions, similar to the recent heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman at Suzuka.
The Miami weekend will serve as the first practical test to see if these adjustments successfully balance safety with the high-performance demands of the sport.
